6. Harajuku SF22 Peace Plaza, #511: Plaid newsboy hats, graphic tees and short, sleeveless dresses are among the contemporary, urban-style women's clothing at this boutique, rather than the expected Harajuku fashions. The international labels here represent designers from around the world including Cop. Copine, Heather and Vivien Westwood. (415) 567-9233, www.harajukusf.com.

Photo: Stephanie Wright Hession

6. Harajuku SF22 Peace Plaza, #511: Plaid newsboy hats, graphic...

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5. Mifune1737 Post St., #375: Savor a steaming bowl of udon or soba noodles submersed in a seasoned broth with a choice of garnishes ranging from fish cakes to shrimp tempura to beef. Mifune makes its noodles using a 90-year-old recipe and offers a low-key atmosphere with booths, tables and poppy-colored walls.(415) 922-0337, www.mifune.com.Location five, photo one, Mifune. Photo by Stephanie Wright Hession

4. Yumi Boutique1737 Post St., #301: If you need to add a bit of sparkle to a special occasion ensemble or some bling to your everyday wardrobe, stop by this super girlie accessories boutique. It carries feather and ribbon-embellished fascinators, fetching, jewel-toned Venetian style masks and oodles of glittering hair adornments. (415) 346-8288.

Photo: Stephanie Wright Hession

4. Yumi Boutique1737 Post St., #301: If you need to add a bit of...

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3. Daikoku by Shiki1737 Post St., #360: Fine quality pieces of Japanese pottery such as Shigaraki ware, Mashiko pottery and Arita ceramics line the shelves of Daikoku by Shiki, which focuses upon beautifully detailed tea sets, mirthful dishes painted with images of kittens and rabbits and Maneki-Neko, (Japanese lucky cat) figurines. (415) 563-4550.

Photo: Stephanie Wright Hession

3. Daikoku by Shiki1737 Post St., #360: Fine quality pieces of...

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1. Origami Fountains Post Street: (Nihonmachi Pedestrian Mall): In 1976, the late sculptor Ruth Asawa created two corton steel fountains representing lotus blooms, with a design influenced by origami. A pattern of bricks winds like a river beneath the works, also known as the Buchanan Mall Fountain and later cast in bronze during their restoration. www.ruthasawa.com.

Photo: Stephanie Wright Hession

1. Origami Fountains Post Street: (Nihonmachi Pedestrian Mall): In...

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2. National Japanese American Historical Society 1684 Post St.: The non-profit, National Japanese American Historical Society collects and preserves artifacts and interprets the Japanese American experience. Its Peace Gallery displays powerful exhibitions including ?Blossoms & Thorns: A Community Uprooted,? through December. It also hosts panel discussions, workshops and film screenings. (415) 921-5007, www.njahs.org.

Photo: Stephanie Wright Hession

2. National Japanese American Historical Society 1684 Post St.: The...

In Japantown, young cherry trees reveal their delicate, pale pink blooms. Beginning this weekend, the community celebrates spring and the beauty of Japanese American culture during the 47th annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival. The four-day event features a Grand Parade, taiko drummers, live dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, food booths and much more.

1. Origami Fountains

Post Street: (Nihonmachi Mall): In 1976, the late sculptor Ruth Asawa created two Cor-Ten steel fountains representing lotus blooms, with a design influenced by origami. A pattern of bricks winds like a river beneath the works, also known as the Buchanan Mall Fountain, and later cast in bronze during their restoration. www.ruthasawa.com.

2. National Japanese American Historical Society

1684 Post St.: The nonprofit National Japanese American Historical Society collects and preserves artifacts relating to the Japanese American experience. Its Peace Gallery displays exhibitions including "Blossoms & Thorns: A Community Uprooted," through December. It also hosts panel discussions, workshops and film screenings. (415) 921-5007. www.njahs.org.

3. Daikoku by Shiki

1737 Post St.: Fine quality pieces of Japanese pottery such as Shigaraki ware, Mashiko pottery and Arita ceramics line the shelves of Daikoku by Shiki, which focuses upon beautifully detailed tea sets, dishes painted with images of kittens and rabbits, and Maneki Neko (Japanese lucky cat) figurines. (415) 563-4550.

4. Yumi Boutique

1737 Post St.: If you need to add a bit of sparkle to a special occasion ensemble or some bling to your everyday wardrobe, stop by this super girlie accessories boutique. It carries feather and ribbon-embellished fascinators, fetching jewel-toned Venetian style masks and oodles of glittering hair adornments. (415) 346-8288.

5. Mifune

1737 Post St.: Savor a steaming bowl of udon or soba noodles submersed in a seasoned broth with a choice of garnishes ranging from fish cakes to shrimp tempura to beef. Mifune makes its noodles using a 90-year-old recipe and offers a low-key atmosphere with booths, tables and poppy-colored walls. (415) 922-0337. www.mifune.com.

6. Harajuku SF

22 Peace Plaza: Plaid newsboy hats, graphic tees and short, sleeveless dresses are among the contemporary, urban-style women's clothing options at this boutique, rather than the expected Harajuku fashions. The international labels here represent designers from around the world including Cop. Copine and Vivienne Westwood. (415) 567-9233. www.harajukusf.com.

Parking

Very limited street parking. A better bet is one of the public parking garages including the Japan Center Garage (1610 Geary Blvd.) and the Japan Center Annex Garage (Fillmore St., between Post and Geary.)

Getting There

Public transit: From the Powell Street BART/Muni Station, walk north on Powell Street to Geary Street and take Muni's 38 or 38L to Geary and Laguna streets. Walk north on Laguna Street and turn left on Post Street. Muni's 2-Clement and 3-Jackson routes also serve the area. www.bart.gov, www.sfmta.com.

By car from the Peninsula: Take Highway 101 north and continue on the Central Freeway. Take the Octavia Boulevard exit and turn left on Fell Street. Then turn right on Laguna Street and left on Post Street.

Good to Know

The 47th annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday and April 19-20. The Grand Parade begins at 1 p.m. April 20 at Civic Center and ends in Japantown. The festival takes place along Post Street between Laguna and Fillmore streets. www.sfcherryblossom.org.